Motorcycle locks are like insurance policies: it's better to have one and not need it, than need one and not have it. Bike theft has skyrocketed since 2000, when the custom machine craze was still ramping up. While sport bikes are the likeliest victims, cruisers do fall victim to thievery, particularly H-Ds and customized machines. Some thieves are joyriders, but more often than not they're pros looking to part out a hot ride or export it for profit. One NYPD detective told us Harley-Davidsons end up in places like Italy, Greece, or even the Dominican Republic, where high demand and low supply drive prices up as much as triple the domestic MSRP.
Locking up your bike can be kind of a pain (but not as much of a pain as replacing it). You have to carry the lock and make sure you remember to remove it before you ride off-not to mention that good locks can be a bit pricey (but not as pricey as replacing your bike). We did some digging and unearthed a few tips that may help you avoid this sad situation.
There are three basic ways to lock your bike: on its own using a steering lock or a disc lock to immobilize it; to a stationary object such as a telephone pole or hand rail; or frame-to-frame to another bike when traveling in a group. One thing applies to all three situations: common sense.
Harley-Davidson Disc Lock...
Harley-Davidson Disc Lock
Most motorcycles have a fork lock in addition to the ignition but it won't deter someone who really wants your bike. That's why there are disc locks that attach to your brake rotor. They're a pretty cheap investment relative to what you're trying to guard, and while they won't stop a seasoned professional, they tend to discourage your basic low-life jackass looking for a quick joy ride. Disc locks are best for situations where you can't lock up to a stationary object. Short of a pit bull, using multiple locks or a lock and an alarm is the best way to secure a lone bike in a parking lot. Having said all of this, if someone really wants your motorcycle, they will get it. The point of all this security is to make your baby as unattractive to a thief as possible.
Statistically Speaking...
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) keeps tabs on motorcycle theft in America. According to their statistics:
Over 71,000 motorcycle were reported stolen in 2006 representing a loss of over $440 million.
Motorcycle theft has increased nearly 137% since 2000.
In the U.S., one motorcycle is stolen every 7.4 minutes.
The typical recovery rate of motorcycles is only 25-30%.
Top Ten States for Thievery
Live and ride in the following states? Then your hometown might be popular with bike thieves, according the NICB, as of July 2006.
1 California (9,110)
2 Florida (6,324)
3 Texas (5,755)
4 North Carolina (3,053)
5 Ohio (2,573)
6 Arizona (2,464)
7 New York (2,195)
8 Indiana (2,186)
9 Georgia (2,159)
10 Pennsylvania (2,021)
Locking Up On Your Own
Disc locks like this one from Harley-Davidson are the most basic protection available for motorcycles. They form a pincer over your brake disc to keep the bike from rolling, like a mini version of a tire boot that cops use. They're also small and provide a visible deterrent for would-be thieves. Furthermore, you can carry them in your jacket pocket while riding. If you don't want to shell out for one, though, you can utilize a padlock in the same capacity or, in some cases, through a hole at the steering neck to act like a steering lock. Look toward the high end of the disc lock spectrum and you'll find versions like this Xena XX10 unit. It's a combination lock/alarm to give you both forms of protection in one small, tough package. For optimal protection, though, it should be used in conjunction with a U-lock like this Kryptonite New York M-18NX (MSRP $74.99). On some cruisers you can score bonus points by passing a U-lock through the front wheel and frame. This prevents the bike from rolling forward, limits the turn radius and keeps the lock off of the ground. When locking your bike keep in mind that the ground is a great cutting surface for defeating a lock since it provides leverage. If the lock is off the ground, it's much more difficult to cut. Alarms like Scorpio's SR-i900 (MSRP $379) are yet another option when out on your own. It's a 2-way FM pager/remote system with a programmable siren.
Stationary Object
Try to lock your bike to a stationary object whenever possible. Not only does this help deter a single thief from taking a bike it may also make a group of professional thieves think twice before throwing your bike into a van and driving off with it. It's a good idea to run your lock through the bike frame to the immobile object whenever possible. You may also want to make sure the lock is tight around your bike. Extra slack allows the thief the opportunity to cut or chisel off the lock. Greed and a few tools are all a thief needs to remove your front wheel and toss your bike into a truck, so using the wheel as the sole locking point isn't the best approach.
The Family That Locks Together, Leaves Together
When traveling in a group, locking your bikes together is a good idea. Chain locks, like this one from Abus (MSRP $69.95 or more depending on length and thickness) are best for this since they tend to be large and flexible, allowing the lock to bridge the gap between two parked rides. We looped our chain lock through these bikes' front wheels to keep them secure. Of course, locking one bike to an object and then to your buddy's ride is an even better way to go.